It Girls Everywhere Keep Wearing the Ballet-Mule Shoe Trend

last updated 26 July 2024

We've noticed a decidedly chic common thread running through the wardrobes of Margot Robbie, Laura Harrier, and the coolest French women we follow. Dressing for the new-found sun, these stylish women have ascended the fashion ranks by elevating their footwear collection with a lesser-known shoe trend that we predict will start catching on very soon.

Instead of the trending sandal styles we're seeing all around us, we're following suit and turning our attention to the under-the-radar ballet-mule trend this summer.

Laura Harrier wearing ballet mules, jeans, a jacket, and a suede shoulder bag.

Pioneering the mule shoe style in the early '90s, Manolo Blahnik's Maysale shoes set the stage for the trend. With a small heel, pointed-toe design, and easy slip-on silhouette, the iconic shoes quickly ascended to cult-buy status, paving the way for mules to become what we know them as today.

Now, many seasons on, the humble mules have been treated to a flat-footed makeover and a ballet-inspired redesign. After the roaring success of the ballet-flats trend last summer, the hybrid ballet mules take the best of both styles to create a fresh silhouette that makes heat-wave dressing a breeze.

Margot Robbie wearing ballet mules with a denim jacket and jeans.

Offering all the comfort of your favorite slides but with an infinitely more polished edge, it's no surprise that the fashion set has decreed ballet mules their new favorite shoes. Styling well with jeans—as Harrier, Robbie, and influencer Sylvie Mus have all proved—the shoes also look impossibly chic with a full-length skirt or pretty summer dress.

With a backless finish, the silhouette is, in theory, more casual than its fuller-coverage counterpart, but we've found that the shoes can act as the perfect alternative to heels with the right outfit.

Sylvie Mus wearing the backless ballet flats trend with cropped jeans and a white strapless top.

Designers have already been hard at work crafting elegant iterations. From Zara's pretty rogue style to Manolo Blahnik's iconic black pair, read on to discover our edit of the best ballet mules to shop this summer.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST BALLET MULES

LE MONDE BERYL

Regency Grosgrain-Trimmed Raffia Mules

Perfect for summer.

RAYE

Avery Flat

This classic pair will have you out the door with ease.

Reformation

Megan Flat Mule

These also come in white and red.

Madewell

The Greta Ballet Flat Mules

Burgundy is everywhere this season.

Manolo Blahnik

Ballerimu Square Toe Mules

These have a small heel for slight elevation.

Veronica Beard

Catherine Mule

Everyone is so into brown this season.

Jeffrey Campbell

Weave-Me Mule

These also come in brown raffia.

Tony Bianco

Javelin Flats

The pointed-toe finish adds an elevated edge.

THE ROW

Milla Satin Ballerina Mules

There's nothing we'd rather slip into than these chic peep-toe mules from The Row.

Topshop

Bali Ballet Mules

These playful flats give Jacquemus vibes without the price tag.

Larroudé

Blair Patent Mary Jane Mule

Patent shoes are always a good idea.

Larroude

Blair Mules

Also so good in this color.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. It was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Explore More:

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.